ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the 21st century has seen a convergence of three historically antagonistic forces—Indigenous rights and aspirations, government social and environmental priorities, and corporate interests and management priorities—that produced intense conflict over mining and then converted these challenges into the foundation of mutually-beneficial arrangements. The transition has not been uniformly successful, working best in the industrial democracies and less effectively in developing nations that are unable to sustain the rule of law. Indigenous communities have been learning from and about each other’s relationships with mining companies and those mining companies, many with extensive international operations, have been developing best practices in community relationships and applying them in different cultural settings. This chapter assesses the changing relationships between mining companies and Indigenous Peoples, considering the practical manifestations of CSR and impact benefit agreements. With mounting pressure to expand mining globally, the ability of Indigenous communities, mining firms and governments to find common cause and work towards mutually satisfactory arrangements that allow environmentally-sound projects to continue is of paramount importance.
